The Con (1998)

I wanted to but couldn't!

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

This is a coming of age storyline that you've seen in one form or another for decades. It takes a truly unique voice to make yet another one worth watching.

"The Con" is much more than just a scam film. There are rare moments of "black comedy", and a nice romance with some scenes almost teetering on tears. William H. Macy has perfected playing interesting introverted characters, such as the meek garage mechanic he plays here. Rebecca De Mornay is convincing as the "hitch and ditch" prospective bride. Except for the ending which is predictable, the film has a few unexpected moments. The acting is solid, and character development is quite good. It was nice to see Mike Nussbaum somewhat resurrect his con artist character from "House of Games". All in all, "The Con", is a way above average TV movie, that is worth seeking out. - MERK

I love this little gem of a movie. Plot is important because it is the contrivance which brings two people from completely different worlds together but once they are, it is characters which drive it forward. Two aunts are the movie's sirens -- one cynical, the other accepting, but for the same reasons. One is terrified Macy's character will be hurt, the other that he'll never know happiness. This good heartedness lurks below the surface of all the characters, though they have not necessarily brought out the best in each other until, paradoxically, deMornay's outsider arrives and upsets the balance in the small town where the story takes place. Macy is brilliant as a mope of a man willing to play dumb and dumber if that's what it takes to share time with the lovely deMornay. And because of the con, her character must step aside and show her gentlest and best self. DeMornay glows as a woman filled with wonderment when good people respond to her innate goodness. If you like movies that love their characters, flaws and all, don't miss this one.

I recently saw this movie for the second time expecting it to bee one of these films that having seen it once, doesn't seem much the second time round. Surprisingly I found it to be better than I remembered. Both Rebecca De Mornay & William H Macy give good performances and it is well above your usual TV fodder because of this. It is not a spectacular film or action packed nor does it have a surprise twist ending but it moves along at a reasonable pace and never leaves you bored. There are some lighthearted moments and the script is decent too. Both actors are believable in there roles. De Mornay is very entertaining and radiant and her character is very easy to warm to, even though she is a con woman, and Macy is good as the simple but likable sap, who falls for De Mornay's charms. The film is fairly predictable but well acted. Ultimately even though you have an idea where the film is taking you, you'll have a good time getting there.A Must for fans of the two leads & worth watching even if you are not. I would say it is well worth between 6 and 6 1/2 out of 10. and more entertaining than you average summer blockbuster.

When this little number is screening there is no time to look away.There is not one wasted scene and no frivolous dialogue,even background babble is relevant to key events.Like a conversation only partially overheard, the viewer sits forward in the seat closely observing in case the slightest detail gets missed.For me this has all the wonderment of a '50s UK B&W quota quickie, and like Lola Rennt(1998) pace and a tight time limit to grab the cash or it's curtains. The Con(1998) is to me one film which I feel I have been waiting forever for someone to make and for me to see.Like Stalag 17(1953), knowing the ending only gives a new reason for re-viewing and subsequent viewing reveals more and more detail , as well as unfolding the strong depth of character Rebecca de Mornay developed for Nancy. For me not even A Fish Called Wanda(1988) can match this one for fast paced ingenuity on the part of the leading lady.William H Macy is brilliant,portraying the character his co-writing developed and the supporting cast seem born to play their roles.Currently my all time favourite US film.